A new global airship race scheduled for 2010 will provide massive exposure to some of the world’s most famous tourism sites.
Speaking at World Travel Market, World Air League commissioner and managing director Don Hartsell said as many as 12 airships are expected to take part in the World Sky Race which will see them visit places like the Taj Mahal, the Coliseum, the Pyramids, the pre-hispanic city of Teotihuacan in Mexico, and Greenwich.
It is hoped the 30,000 mile race will prove to a massive draw for tourism, ensuring that it is seen by more live spectators than any other event in the world.
Hartsell added: “It’s never been done before and we hope people will come out of their homes to watch (the ships in) the skies.”
While the race will be subject to weather conditions, it is thought it can be completed within 150 days with teams estimated to be spending between $14 million and $18 million to compete.
* More WTM 2008 coverage at www.travelweekly.co.uk/wtm2008